Common Sense

AOG Annotated Study Edition

By: Thomas Paine

Narrated by: C.J. McAllister

Without Thomas Paine's Common Sense, the United States may never have even attempted to win independence from Great Britain. This short, passionate book is credited with fanning the flames of revolution in its day; but beyond that, its unique view of the role of government and of the relationship between government and citizens — and how those factors apply to modern life — are still studied by students of political science to this day. This edition includes the full, unabridged text of Common Sense. In addition, it includes clear, yet extensive study tools and discussion questions to help listeners more easily understand this classic text.

©2017 James Barnes (P)2017 James Barnes

Classic Political Philosophy

I received a review copy of this audiobook.

I’ve been meaning to read Common Sense for years. After discovering the theological and scriptural arguments involved, I’m surprised and a little upset it wasn’t required reading for my political philosophy class at a Christian college.

I don’t immediately agree with all of Paine’s assertions, but it was thought provoking at times. Many of his points were outside my expertise to fact-check and irrelevant to modern consideration, as the dealt explicitly with why the time was right then to sever ties to Britain.

The narrator was good but not great. He neither added to nor detracted from the text.

This edition includes a series of discussion questions after each chapter, which I found especially helpful.

Excellent version, well done

This is an excellent version of the text that, more than any other, helped catalyze our country's war of independence from Britain. The pamphlet itself should be required reading by anyone who presumes to speak about US history, the role of government, or liberty, even in modern times. This version specifically has nice narration at a good pace. You cannot go wrong with it.

I received this book for free at my request from the author, publisher or narrator and have voluntarily left this review.

Great History

I really enjoyed reading and listening to this book. Thomas Paine was one of our founding Father's and a great American of his time and still today. I don't think the schools are teaching our kids enough about our history. When I was growing up in the 60's and 70's we were taught all about American history and the founding of our country. So if you know about our history of this time, this would be a good refresher and if not, read or listen to Thomas Paine and other great Americans. C.J. McAllister did a fine job narrating.

Should be Required Reading for Americans

Would you listen to Common Sense again? Why?

This is the kind of thing that you are forced to read in high school, but would actually find it interesting when you're older and you have some perspective. I really enjoyed this and was engaged throughout.

What does C.J. McAllister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The writing style is hundreds of years old, so it's understandably "stuffy". The narrator helps bridge that gap and keeps you engaged.

Important document

Poorly narrated, but content helped ignite both American and French Revolutions. Highly recommend different version, with different narrator. But it was only $2.00z